With the frigid weather quickly approaching in Norfolk, VA, Cynthia Lopez and Ritchie Barnes will be one less family left in the cold. However, for this mother and son, that would not have been the case just two weeks ago. Their 29-year-old heater had taken its last course, leaving them with no other option than to heat up their mobile home by stove for almost two weeks. Just one week after their heater shut down, they received a life changing visit from James Spagnuolo, with Michael & Son Services, who promised them “Michael and Son is going to step in and we’re going to take care of you.”
One week later, just as he promised, Michael and Son was at their door step. After diagnosing the heater, our technicians found that a fuse had caught fire. Ritchie was so grateful that the house did not catch fire as a result, but unfortunately, parts are no longer available for a unit of this age. A new system would cost about $5,000; “…only thing I could think of was we was going to freeze to death…” says Ritchie. That’s when Roddy Leiva, also with Michael and Son Services, went to management and said “Hey we have this family that needs help…” and “…they hesitated not one bit to say let’s get it done”, says Leiva. Because our motto is “If you can’t, we can!” installers Carlos and Emerson were ready to give Cynthia and Ritchie the comfort they were in need of.
A new heat pump, a new air handler, and a new A-frame coil was now installed. Assuring that Cynthia and Ritchie would have one less worry; this season and the winter season ahead. This installation could not have come at a better time, as Cynthia battles with terminal cancer. Ritchie was so relieved, that now there is less of a risk of his mother getting sicker.
Watch this heartfelt video to see our Helping Hands team lend a hand to a family in need:
If you’re in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area and looking for a reliable service company that you can trust to do any job around the house. Call Michael & Son Services today at 1-800-948-MIKE or visit our website. To learn more about Michael & Son Services Helping Hands Program visit us at michaelandsonhelpinghands.com. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to find out about upcoming events, special events and much more!